Taylor Decker is "close" to returning from the torn shoulder labrum that kept him out of the first half of the season, though Lions coach Jim Caldwell said the team won't make a final decision on their left tackle's availability until Saturday.

Barring a setback, Decker's return appears imminent, and he could start in Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns and No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett.

Asked what he needed to see in order to activate Decker for Sunday's game, Caldwell said "it's usually the day after is the most important thing."

"We’ll go through our regular practice like we normally do on Friday and see how he progresses, how he heals," Caldwell said. "So it won’t be today or after practice in terms of the evaluations. It’s always the day after."

The Lions' offensive line has struggled in Decker's absence, allowing 26 sacks in the season's first eight games.

Robinson, acquired in a June trade with the Los Angeles Rams, started the first six games of the season at left tackle and gave up 4.5 sacks and another two that were of the coverage variety.

He sprained his ankle in an October loss to the New Orleans Saints, and returned to practice this week.

Brian Mihalik started the last two games at left tackle for the Lions, and outplayed Robinson.

"When Deck’s ready, Deck’s going to play," Caldwell said. "There’s a reason why he’s here, a reason why we picked him where we picked him. He’ll play when he’s ready."

Even with Decker's pending return, the Lions still have issues on their offensive line.

Starting right guard T.J. Lang is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Browns because of a brain injury that manifested in practice Wednesday. Either Emmett Cleary or Don Barclay is expected to start in Lang's place.

The Browns (0-8) are one of the worst pass-rushing teams in the NFL with just 16 sacks, though Garrett has four in three games played. They rank fourth in the league in rushing defense.